Patti's Porch

WHAT IF? by BONNIE ENGSTROM 11/29/2019 11:20:00 PM by: Patti Shene

Patti never expected to portray a legendary character, nor fall in love. She just wanted a part-time job over the holidays. But between the Simon Cowell look-a-like guy who played Santa and her eleven-year-old granddaughter Tabitha, and maybe God, she pulled on the green vinyl boots, powdered her eyebrows and “sucked it up,” as Tabby would say until . . . the Santa who came to give out gifts at church was different. And she kissed him. Did she kiss the wrong Santa?

What if you were a “slightly” older woman, a school teacher, widowed, living alone and bored during the holiday season?

What if you have a super smart granddaughter who is a bit precocious at eleven?

What if you depended on her for the truth?

What if you loved all things Christmas and always had a secret desire to be Mrs. Santa Claus?

What if the opportunity came up? Would you take it? Even if the other teachers chided you?

What if the Santa who hired you needs your help with his grandson?

What if with every suggestion or comment you make, he replies with “Whatever.”?

What if your granddaughter played Elf?

What if she spotted the fake Santa and said you kissed the wrong Santa because he smelled different?

What if you found the answers to these questions in HER SECRET SANTA?

Something fun to know:

This book is dedicated to my longtime friend from high school, Sandy Cervi Bacasa, who inspired this story by playing Mrs. Santa and never colored her stunning gray-white hair. She is a beautiful woman and a perfect Mrs. Claus.

Another fun fact:

Tabitha, the granddaughter in the story, is based on my granddaughter, Teagan, who really does always call me “Grammy.” But you have to read the story to understand this comment.

Bonnie will gladly gift either an eBook or mail a print copy of Her Secret Santa (reader’s choice) to a reader within the contiguous U.S. who makes a comment

Bonnie Engstrom loves Christmas and lives with her own Santa of 55 years, even though he complains about setting up the nine-foot tree every year, then loves putting the angel on top and stands back to admire it. She and Dave are blessed to live in Arizona with their two dogs and near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live on the beach in Costa Rica and surf. Pura Vida!

Comments

Bonnie Engstrom From AZ At 12/3/2019 6:16:45 PM

Ha, ha, Patti! No this Patti isn't you, but I must have had your name on my mind when I wrote the story. But, the Santa in the story does deserve coal in his stocking! He's a bit of a curmudgeon until he meets Mrs. Santa Patti.

Reply by: Patti Shene

LOL! Sounds like a fun Christmas read, Bonnie!

Bonnie Engstrom From AZ At 12/3/2019 6:06:03 PM

Thank you Vivian, Alicia, Lisa and Elaine for your comments. It is a fun book, one I had so much fun writing. I loved the banter between the characters and Patti's sarcastic comments to Mr. Santa. I hope you will, too. If you read the story I would love to know who your favorite character is.

Reply by: Patti Shene

That’s Bonnie’s character Patti! Patti’s Porch Patti would never dare make a sarcastic comment to Mr Santa for fear of finding coal in her stocking!

Vivian Furbay From Colorado Springs, C) At 12/2/2019 6:53:28 AM

Looks like a cute story for me to read and then give to my niece so she can read it to her four kids.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Yes, I'm sure it would be excellent for that very purpose, Vivian! Thank you for stopping by!

Alicia Haney From Texas At 12/1/2019 10:51:58 PM

This sounds like a great book to read around Christmas, perfect for now. Thank you for sharing about this book. I would love to read it. I love the cover.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Alicia. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments. Good luck in the drawing!

Alicia Haney From Texas At 12/1/2019 10:48:40 PM

This sounds like a super cute Christmas story! I love the cover and I would love to read this book, I will be adding this book to my TBR list. Thank you for sharing this.

LisaHerring From TX At 11/30/2019 6:42:29 PM

This books sounds intriguing!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Lisa. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Merry Christmas!